A few years ago the New Zealand government made a law change so that permanent employees can be let go within the first 90 days without either side being able to invoke any industrial grievance process. In other words, like Contract to Hire, try each other out for up to 90 days and if things don't work out, part ways.

In general, I think this is a good thing. Many NZ employers are notoriously risk-averse, so the law was aimed at letting them give a change to people they might not necessarily risk hiring (e.g. new migrants without a local work history). Having changed jobs since that law was passed, it does feel a bit insecure until the 90 days are up.